Ballon d'Or 2024: Vinicius Out, Messi Skips, Who's Got the Golden Ticket?
The Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual award in football, is just around the corner, and the buzz is already going wild! It's like a footballing Oscars, with everyone wondering who'll snag the coveted golden ball. But this year, there's a twist. Two giants are missing from the race – Vinicius Jr., the Brazilian star, and Lionel Messi, the GOAT himself.
Vinicius Jr. Out?
Hold up, did you say Vinicius Jr.? Yeah, the guy who lit up the Champions League with his skills and helped Real Madrid win the La Liga title. You'd think he'd be a shoo-in for the Ballon d'Or. But, hold your horses. It's been reported that he's not even nominated for the award. This has left fans scratching their heads.
Messi Skips the Show
Messi, the Argentine legend, has also decided to skip the ceremony this year. Why? No one's really sure. Maybe he's just focusing on Inter Miami, his new club, or maybe he's had his fill of awards. It's kinda strange, though, considering Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a whopping seven times.
Who's In the Running?
So, with Vinicius and Messi out, the race is wide open. The favorites? Kylian Mbappé of PSG is looking super strong, especially after his World Cup performance. Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal machine, is also a hot contender, thanks to his insane goalscoring record. Karim Benzema, the current Ballon d'Or holder, is in the mix too.
Can the Ballon d'Or Be Fair Without Vinicius and Messi?
Honestly, this year's Ballon d'Or feels a bit off without Vinicius and Messi. It's like a party without the main guests. But that's the beautiful chaos of football, folks. It's always evolving.
The Ballon d'Or is more than just an award; it's a symbol of footballing excellence. But it's important to remember that it's just a single snapshot of an entire season. We'll have to see who walks away with the trophy this year. Will it be Mbappé? Haaland? Benzema? Or will someone else steal the show?
Stay tuned, football fans! This is going to be a wild ride.